The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has formally raised concerns with government department DEFRA about a perceived lack of accurate and consistent animal licensing data across England.
Following a detailed analysis of DEFRA licensing data, required by The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, PIF has identified what it describes as “significant issues” with local authority reporting, making it difficult to track industry trends and to ensure effective regulation. The organisation’s research reveals that in 2024, only 68% of comparable local authority licensing data was received, while there were also inconsistencies in how local authorities record information.
In addition, a 27% decline in licensed kennels over the past year “raises serious questions” about the UK’s capacity to manage quarantine needs during potential zoonotic disease outbreaks, says PIF. Additionally, a 23% decrease in licensed pet sellers during the same period has pushed more sales towards unregulated online platforms, where welfare oversight is minimal.
To address these pressing issues, PIF has written to Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DEFRA, calling on the government to implement consistent and meaningful licensing data reporting to ensure effective market monitoring; ensure stronger regulation of online pet sales, requiring licence numbers to be displayed for all sellers and introducing a registration system for occasional sellers; support pet shops to ensure they remain a viable and regulated source for small pet purchases; and to reintroduce the dog licence, with revenue supporting designated quarantine kennels and industry infrastructure.
PIF chief executive Nigel Baker said: “Accurate and transparent data is essential for effective regulation and safeguarding animal welfare.
“The decline in licensed pet businesses, particularly kennels and pet shops, could have serious long-term consequences for both the industry and pet welfare. We are calling on the government to take urgent action to improve data collection and enforcement.”
